Formation Seminar for Parish BEC Core Group Members

Sandakan : 36 participants, including clergy and religious sisters, representing the four parishes of the Diocese of Sandakan attended a three day formation seminar for Parish Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) core group members from the 9th – 11th April 2010 at the Diocesan Meeting Room, Church Hill Road, Sandakan.

 John Lainsin presenting his paper on Church leadership

The aim of the seminar is to train parish BEC team members to be not just only being participative but committed and effective leaders (PaCE). John Lainsin, from the Keningau Diocesan Pastoral Centre was the main facilitator of the seminar.

The Opening Mass held at St Mary’s Chapel, was concelebrated by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom and Fr Jasery Gabuk of St Dominic’s Church Lahad Datu and Deacon David Garaman of St Mary’s Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Julius called upon all Parish BEC team members to be strong in faith in pursuing the establishment of BECs, maintaining and sustaining it. He acknowledged that there are frustrations and at times disappointment in building up BECs. However, BECs, being the pastoral thrust of the diocese have a vital role in shaping the Church of the future and as leaders we need to persevere. Perseverance will lead to maturity of faith.

 The seminar was lively with participants actively involved in group discussions. A total of eight sessions were presented during the three day seminar which cover the following topics;

• Parish and Diocesan pastoral direction
• An ideal Church
• Serving together
• Fulfilling the mission of Christ
• Servant, steward and shepherd (3S) leadership
• Character and attitude of a leader
• Spirituality
• Eucharist - source and summit of Christian life.

Salipa of Beluran had this to share: ‘I now understand that in the course of building up BECs, the focus is not so much on immediate result but the process. The most important point is to remain faithful in the ministry to continue the mission of Christ.’

Raine Eing of Telupid never regretted for a moment to have come for the seminar. This is what she said, ‘To change others, I need first and foremost to change myself. Serving in the Lord’s Kingdom should be based on mutual understanding. I am ok, if you are ok’

Rafael Lindan of Beluran in his sharing said, ‘The seminar is enriching. I hope to build up my leadership skill. I need to be more tolerant to others. Listen more and respond wisely based on Gospel values. I need to share with others the knowledge I gain from this seminar’

 Albert from Beluran receiving the cert of attendance from Bishop

Bishop Julius presenting a token to John Lainsin

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